Winter weather and freezing temperatures are headed for Spring and the greater Houston, Texas area. That means your car, truck and SUV will be faced with hazardous conditions in and around Spring, The Woodlands, Tomball, Aldine, Cypress, Conroe, and around Houston. To help you cope, Planet Ford on I-45 has some winter weather wisdom to share with you for your Ford.
HAVE YOU WINTERIZED?
If you haven’t had your vehicle winterized, now is the time. Our team at Planet Ford in Spring will help ensure your vehicle is running right.
TIRE CHECK – Many Texas drivers have all-season tires, which can work well for most people. For anyone facing consistent harsh winter-weather conditions, winter tires are advised.
TIRE PRESSURE & WEAR – No matter the type of tire, the wear and tear, and right tire pressure can affect traction and performance. If your tires are worn down, it may be time for new tires. When in doubt, top by Planet Ford, and we will do a complimentary tire check. With changing temps, also make sure you’re checking your tire pressure. The temp can cause pressure to quickly change.
BRAKES – During bad weather, good brakes are key to ensure you keep your distance from the other drivers. Planet Ford can do a brake check to ensure you can slow your roll… safely.
BATTERY – When temps go down, it can decrease your battery power. Plus, cooler temperatures can require more power to start your car. Make sure your car has the starting power it needs so you don’t get stranded.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS – Cold can play havoc on old rubber wipers. Check your blades to see if it’s time for new wipers or you may want to upgrade to winter wipers.
COOLING SYSTEM – When there is a big freeze, you need to make sure you have the right coolant/water ratio to protect your vehicle from potential freezing and corrosion issues.
FULL FLUIDS – Make sure to check all of your vehicle’s fluid levels, including yoru windshield wiper fluid. A single storm can exhaust your reservoir.
HOSES & BELTS – Winter weather can be the final straw for aging belts and hoses. Make sure to get them checked out so you don’t get left out in the cold.
SPARK PLUGS, WIRES & MORE – Don’t leave anything to chance. Cold weather taxes all parts of a vehicle, so if you need any element checked, our team is here to help.
INCLEMENT WEATHER & ROADWAYS
Did you know – and we are not factoring the snow or ice yet – the AAA states that wet pavement alone contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year. So, what does that mean when snow and ice come into the mix? Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, per research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
- Stay where you are! Best not to go out unless you have to.
- Take it slow & space out. Not only do you need to slow down, but it’s also more important than ever to leave extra room to both start and stop.
- Brake in the know. Make sure you know how your brakes work – not only in dry conditions but inclement so you react accordingly.
- No cruising. If surfaces get slippery, it is not a good idea to use cruise control.
- Fuel up! You never know what could happen, so make sure you have at least ½ tank – or better yet – a full tank of fuel.
- Pack-up power. It’s always a good idea to have a bag with essentials with you in case of an emergency. Items can include: glass scraper, umbrella, flashlight, water, blanket/warm clothing, etc. P.S. Have basic car gear for a breakdown (spare, jack, jumper cables, etc.).
TIRE CHECKS
When did you last look at your tires? Do you know if you have a good tire tread depth? Are you checking to see if they are over or under-inflated? These are all factors to big factors in whether or not your vehicle has good traction, which is especially important on a wet road. Check your car, truck or SUV’s tire pressure, including your spare, monthly. Make sure to do so when your tires are cold, and not after you’ve been on the road for a long time. When in doubt, bring them into Planet Ford in Spring to be checked out for free*.
WHOA! SLOW YOUR ROLL
This is a no brainer. When it’s icy or wet, you need to slow down. One it can help reduce your vehicles chance of hydroplaning, which can become an issue with water on the ground. AAA says with as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. So, drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway. Slowing down can also allow more time to react to a situation. Which leads to another important tip, allow ample space between you and the vehicles around you. Wet weather requires more braking time and reaction time. So a little extra space can help you be in a safer place as you travel in less than desirable conditions.
SKID CONTROL
The AAA shared that no matter the experience, any driving can skin out in certain conditions. If you ever find yourself in that situation, here are quick steps the AAA list on their website:
1. Continue to look and steer in the direction in which the driver wants the car to go.
2. Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.
Yes, we know. That is easier said than done, but AAA goes on to share, “Don’t panic, and avoid slamming on the brakes to maintain control.”
You can’t control others and their actions on the road, especially on bad weather days, but you can prep, slow down and take actions to help keep yourself as safe as possible.
PLANET FORD IN SPRING IS HERE TO HELP!
If you need your vehicle checked out or need new tires, brakes, batteries, wipers, etc. our team would be happy to assist. If you’re simply ready for a new Ford car, truck or SUV, take the short drive on I-45 to the Louetta exit in Spring. We have great specials on a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can learn more about our Houston-area Ford dealership at www.PlanetFord45.com.
Be careful out there, Planet Ford friends.
Driving tip Source: https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/#.XjmuoC2ZNTY